a primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety); be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble.
Transliteration:chârad
Pronunciation:khaw-rad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2729}}` (chârad) primarily conveys the sense of a profound, often physical, reaction to fear or anxiety. Its base definition, "to shudder with terror," points to an involuntary bodily response. This core meaning branches out into several related semantic nuances:
* **Fear/Terror:** This is the most common usage, denoting a deep dread that causes one to tremble, quake, or be afraid. It can be a fear of God, of enemies, or of impending disaster.
* **Anxious Haste:** The definition also includes "to hasten (with anxiety)." This suggests not merely movement, but a hurried action driven by apprehension, urgency, or even panic. The movement is not calm or deliberate, but rather agitated.
* **Discomfiture/Quaking:** `{{H2729}}` describes the state of being thrown into confusion or dismay, leading to a physical shaking or trembling. This can apply to individuals, armies, or even the earth itself.
* **Carefulness (Negative Connotation):** In some contexts, it can imply being "careful" in a way that suggests timidity or a paralyzing fear, rather than prudent caution.
The common thread throughout these meanings is an internal state of apprehension that often manifests outwardly in physical trembling, shaking, or hurried, anxious movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2729}}` appears frequently in the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of fear and trembling:
* **Fear of God's Presence and Word:** The most significant theological usage often connects `{{H2729}}` with the divine. At Mount Sinai, the people "trembled" (chârad) at the manifestation of God's presence, highlighting His awesome power and holiness ([[Exodus 19:16]]). Similarly, in prophetic literature, those who "tremble" at God's word are distinguished as His faithful remnant, indicating a reverent awe combined with a deep respect for His commands ([[Isaiah 66:5]]). This is not a servile fear, but a profound recognition of divine authority and majesty.
* **Fear of Enemies and Adversity:** `{{H2729}}` frequently describes the terror experienced by individuals or nations in the face of a superior foe or impending danger. The Philistines "trembled" before the might of the Lord and Jonathan's valor ([[1 Samuel 14:15]]). Joseph's brothers were "afraid" (chârad) when their money was found in their sacks, fearing divine retribution ([[Genesis 42:28]]). This fear can lead to paralysis or flight.
* **Anxiety and Haste:** The nuance of "hastening with anxiety" is seen when David tells Ahimelech that the king had given him urgent, secret instructions, implying a need for immediate, anxious departure ([[1 Samuel 21:2]]). This illustrates a hurried movement driven by a sense of urgency and potential danger.
* **Discernment in Battle:** In the account of Gideon's army, those who were "fearful and trembling" (chârad) were explicitly sent away, demonstrating that such a state of fear was detrimental to military effectiveness and a sign of lack of faith or courage ([[Judges 7:3]]). This highlights that not all fear is beneficial or appropriate in every circumstance.
* **Cosmic Trembling:** The word can also describe the shaking of the earth or the heavens in response to divine judgment or action, underscoring the universal impact of God's power ([[Joel 2:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H2729}}` stands in relation to several other Hebrew terms describing fear and physical reactions:
* `{{H3372}}` (yare'): While `{{H3372}}` often denotes a reverential fear or awe (fear of the Lord), `{{H2729}}` more strongly emphasizes the physical manifestation of terror, the shuddering and quaking. While both can describe fear of God, chârad highlights the overwhelming, visceral impact of His presence.
* `{{H7493}}` (ra'ad): This word also means "to tremble" or "shake," often used interchangeably with `{{H2729}}` in contexts of physical shaking due to fear or weakness. `{{H2729}}` seems to carry a stronger implication of the *cause* being internal terror or anxiety.
* `{{H2119}}` (zil): To quake, tremble, often used in poetic or prophetic contexts for the shaking of the earth or nations.
* `{{H6342}}` (pachad): To dread, be terrified. Similar to `{{H2729}}` in conveying a strong sense of fear, but `{{H2729}}` often adds the physical, involuntary reaction.
The concept of `{{H2729}}` is distinct from mere caution or apprehension; it implies a deep, often overwhelming, emotional and physical response that can be either a sign of spiritual sensitivity (trembling at God's word) or a debilitating terror.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2729}}` is multifaceted:
* **God's Transcendence and Power:** The frequent use of `{{H2729}}` to describe the human (or even cosmic) reaction to God's presence powerfully underscores His utter transcendence, holiness, and overwhelming might. The trembling at Sinai is a testament to the ineffable nature of the divine.
* **Authentic Piety:** For the prophets, "trembling at God's word" becomes a hallmark of true piety, distinguishing those who genuinely reverence and obey Him from those who are arrogant or dismissive. This is a fear born of awe and submission, not merely terror.
* **Consequence of Sin:** The fear and trembling experienced by individuals or nations can also be a consequence of sin or a premonition of divine judgment. It highlights the vulnerability of humanity before a righteous God.
* **Human Weakness and Dependence:** `{{H2729}}` exposes the inherent weakness and fragility of humanity. When confronted with overwhelming power, whether divine or human, the natural response is often one of fear and physical agitation, driving home the need for divine protection and strength.
* **Discerning True Courage:** The narrative of Gideon's army teaches that while fear is a natural human emotion, a debilitating fear that causes one to "tremble" (chârad) in the face of duty or battle is not compatible with God's purposes for His chosen instruments. True courage, in this context, is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in faith despite it.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2729}}` (chârad) is a potent term signifying a deep, often physically manifested, fear or anxiety. Its semantic range extends from shuddering terror and quaking to anxious haste and discomfiture. Biblically, it frequently describes the overwhelming human (and even cosmic) reaction to God's awesome presence and His authoritative word, serving as a marker of genuine reverence and piety. Conversely, it also depicts the debilitating fear of enemies or the consequences of sin. While distinct from the reverential awe of `{{H3372}}` (yare'), `{{H2729}}` emphasizes the visceral, involuntary physical response to profound apprehension. Its usage underscores God's immense power, the fragility of humanity, and the critical distinction between a debilitating fear and a reverent awe that leads to obedience.
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